Leave your cares behind and spend some Happy Hours strolling through Fairhaven. Located within the southern city limits of Bellingham, the Fairhaven Historic District is noted for its colorful 19th century architecture and history. In recent years, the district has blossomed into a lively getaway destination and residential community.

Many red brick relics of Fairhaven’s Victorian era survive in the federally designated historic districtâ€™s six square-blocks. These and newer structures are now home to a variety of unique local shops, art galleries, restaurants and pubs, and one of the best independent bookstores in the nation.

Fairhaven Gives Back is Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. When you shop at participating Fairhaven business or restaurants on this date, 10% of your purchases will be donated to a non-profit. Check this link for details.

Fairhaven Holiday Festival is Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016. Friday evening visit Father Christmas, enjoy the Lighting of the Christmas Trees in the Village Green, and participate in the annual Holiday Art Walk. Saturday afternoon features free horse-drawn carriage rides through the Victorian-era village, followed by the second evening of the Holiday Art Walk at Fairhaven shops. More details here.

Father Christmas and Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 2016. Each Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Fairhaven Village Inn hosts Father Christmas and free horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m. Children may leave letters for Father Christmas in the Victorian mailbox on the Village Green stage. More details.

Artsy Shops

Fairhaven’s local flavor and relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot to spend leisurely afternoons browsing for the unexpected, yet perfect item. Must see shops include:

Fun Happy Hour Ideas

Waterfront Hotels

Hugging the southern shoreline of Bellingham Bay, the Fairhaven District is connected by waterfront trail to downtown and Squalicum Harbor on the north side of the Bay. Bellingham is home to three boutique waterfront hotels – two in Fairhaven and one in Squalicum Harbor. Perfect for relaxing in style.

Fairhaven Get-a-Way Package: You don’t have to go far! Stay in Fairhaven and enjoy unique shops, restaurants and trails on Bellingham Bay. Be sure to take advantage of our Wine and Cheese offer – $20 discount each night, plus a wine and cheese welcome gift. Please use code Wine and Cheese 2016 when booking. Offer valid through March 21, 2016. Based on availability, no other discounts apply.

Suite Deal Package: Book a nightâ€™s stay in a King Suite or a Corner Suite and receive a 20% discount on the room along with a basket of sweets! Valid Sundays-Fridays.

The Trifecta Package: Triple the luxury of your stay with this all inclusiveÂ package that featuresÂ a one nightÂ stay, $50 credit in the Spa, and $20 credit in Keenanâ€™s at the Pier restaurant.Â Rates start at $259/night + tax. Available 7 days a week.

Bed and Brew Package:Â Add to any room type any day of the week for $30! Includes two glasses of local beer on tap from Keenanâ€™s at the Pier, two 22 oz bottles of Boundary Bay Brewery IPA, two pint glasses from Wander Brewing, two beer-infused truffles from Evolve Chocolate, and Bellingham Tap Trail maps to local breweries.

Luxury by the Bay Package: The leaves are changing and it’s time to Fall into Luxury by the Bay! Book a cozy get-away at the Hotel Bellwether with rates starting from $179.

Romance Package: Enjoy a one-night stay in a luxurious guest room which features a natural gas fireplace and an over-sized air-jetted tub for your in-room enjoyment. Add a little romance to your stay! What better way than to enjoy romantic roses, a bath bomb, Prosecco, and chocolate covered strawberries in our luxury hotel. Based on availability. Please mention the Romance Package when booking. Rates starting from $239, plus tax.

‘CelebraciĂłn – A Taste of Spain’ Fall package: Experience a 2-day taste of Spain. Receive a bottle of Spanish sparkling ‘Cava’ wine, tapas plate and rose upon check-in. A complimentary meal for two in the Lighthouse Bar and Grill featuring our Chef’s Spanish-themed entrĂ¨es including another bottle of select Spanish wine, to top off this package we are including tickets for two to The Whatcom County Museum in historic downtown Bellingham. Please visit our website hotelbellwether.com or call Hotel Bellwehter at 360-392-3100 to book this package, rates stating from $238, minimum 2-night stay, valid for Sat-Thursday arrival only, Sept. 6- Oct. 31.

Getting Here

Fairhaven is easily accessed by car. From Interstate 5, take exit 250 and drive west. Or take Chuckanut Drive, which begins and ends in Fairhaven on the north.

The historic district is also home to Bellinghamâ€™s major transportation hub and features the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and the Fairhaven Station (Amtrak and Greyhound bus). Both facilities are located on Harris Avenue.

The Alaska Ferry departs from the Cruise Terminal each week. Whale watch cruises, skipper chartered cruises and passenger ferries leave daily for the San Juan Islands from the Cruise Terminal throughout the summer.